High Speed Agile Optics Detection and Tracking System

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new High Speed Agile Optics Detection and Tracking System (HISAOD) based on an enhanced-gain omnidirectional agile lens (OAL), a Processing and Ultra Memory Access (PUMA) board, and image flow analysis (IFA) software. It continuously watches the omnidirectional field surrounding a ground vehicle, feeding information to the HISAOD controller. With enhanced gain, the OAL image is 20 times brighter than that in a conventional lens. This high image brightness ensures instant, reliable small objects detection. When a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) boost cloud or gun muzzle flash is detected, the wavefront corrector compensates local aberrations and forms a sharp image for bearing determination and tracking. The HISAOD mimics foveal eye vision automatically detects the target in 0.015 s, and tracks at 100 Hz. For counter-sniper use, HISAOD will perform only detection; tracking will be by a staring MWIR lens. In Phase I POC will design and develop an OAL and wavefront corrector and integrate these into the HISAOD to demonstrate feasibility. In Phase II a full-scale HISAOD prototype, including a lens redesigned based on Phase I experience, custom electronics, software, display, and operator interface will be developed and tested.